Home The National Mall

National Mall Plan

The National Mall Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement is now available for public comment. To learn more, visit http://www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan.

The National Park Service maintains the National Mall as a place of pride for the American people.

As part of its mission, the Park Service works year-round to maintain the National Mall's treasures. Now, the Park Service is looking to the future, developing a long-term vision for the National Mall, not only as a home to monuments and institutions, but as a public space for democratic expression.

The Park Service has sought the public's help. To date, it has received more than 5,000 comments from people throughout the United States about how they view the future of the National Mall. Building on these recommendations, the Park Service is developing a plan, due out in 2010, that will improve the ability of the National Mall to fulfill its multiple and sometimes conflicting purposes to:

  • function as our nation's civic stage
  • preserve our symbols of democracy
  • provide space for public enjoyment, education and recreation

The plan will:

  1. Ensure that the National Mall is a model of cleanliness and ecologically sustainable practices, identifying strategies and projects that improve the health and appearance of the historic landscape while reversing the deterioration that comes with increased park use.
  2. Revitalize the National Mall so it can continue to be the most prominent stage for civic activities in our nation. This will include redesigning some venues, facilities, and infrastructure as well as upgrading permit processes.
  3. Provide visitors with convenient, clean facilities and necessary services and amenities. While some visitor facilities have been upgraded recently, many  are outdated and overused. The plan will cover restrooms, food service and recreation rentals, as well as park furniture, signs, pedestrian and vehicular access and circulation.
  4. Enhance the visitor experience. The plan will recommend new educational and cultural programs, activities and recreation to enrich the educational experience of National Mall visitors.
  5. Engage the public. To sustain the National Mall for future generations, the plan will identify improvement projects that can be implemented through the partnership between the National Park Service and the Trust for the National Mall and volunteers.

For more information on the National Mall Plan please visit:
http://www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan/